The design of the kitchen space begins with design and renovation work, but then the definition of quality furniture awaits you, where you will meet with the question of choosing a countertop for the kitchen. Today we will help you study the advantages and disadvantages, characteristics and features of a wide variety of countertops.

Earlier, a couple of decades ago, we did not have such problems, since the kitchens were sold as a single set. Today everything is separate - cabinets and cabinets, countertops and sinks, appliances and shelves. On the one hand, this is good, since you can only buy what you need, but on the other hand, it is also a high price, at which you now need to guess with the quality. Today we will try to choose not an entire kitchen and not a special set for completing a room for cooking, but only countertops for the kitchen, which, by the way, play a huge role not only in the design, but also in the practicality of the room.

Kitchen countertop design

To tell you the truth, the design of a kitchen countertop should not be taken as seriously as the qualities and characteristics of the material of creation. Well, what can be different for the worse or better in the countertop for decorating the kitchen? Let's say, color, shade, shape, texture ... everything else can be attributed to the materials and qualifications of the master of making a piece of furniture.

Of course, design is very important, because a white kitchen with a black countertop or a black kitchen with a white countertop is very strict and even cool, but, for example, when the colors do not match or seem to be generally superfluous, then you will not want to go into the kitchen. The same can be said about shades, reflections, forms of decoration ... but here it is not the tabletop itself that has weight, but the overall combination and harmony.

The choice of material for the manufacture of kitchen countertops

When choosing the material for the production of countertops, you should think carefully, because this is not a kitchen body, which should only withstand a certain mass on itself and the humidity of the kitchen room, not a front part for decoration, but precisely the part on which the main processes will take place. The tabletop should normally survive critical temperatures, humidity, possible chemical and mechanical influences, pressure, shock, etc. Therefore, you need to choose not just a beautiful tabletop, but a solid, practical, reliable, durable one.

Chipboard kitchen worktops

If you need cheap kitchen countertops, choose chipboard. This is the most common option for inexpensive kitchen cabinetry cover, which can be presented in numerous variations due to textures and shades. But there may be more expensive chipboard countertops, for example, made of laminated moisture-resistant material, which is already fully adapted to the kitchen.

Laminate material consists of multiple layers of paper, each impregnated with resins and compressed into other layers. The upper part of the material is covered with a special polymer that increases wear resistance.

Today, the following advantages of chipboard countertops are distinguished - these are cheap kitchen countertops that are resistant to humidity, low temperatures, various influences on the surface, and also do not absorb kitchen aromas (and expensive ones, where such qualities are even more pronounced). In addition, you should definitely declare a lot of options that qualitatively imitate other materials for the production of countertops.

The disadvantages include the lack of heat resistance necessary for the kitchen, as well as the fear of moisture in the joints, which can lead to serious problems, up to replacing part of the countertop or its entire plane.

Kitchen countertops: artificial stone

The basis of the countertop made of artificial stone is ordinary plywood, on which a special polymer composition with granules imitating the required color or texture is applied. This is a rather thin tabletop, but it is durable and plastic at high temperatures, and therefore quite interesting shapes can be created from artificial stone to order.

The advantages of the material are considered to be a pleasant temperature to the touch, in addition, a neutral reaction to average kitchen temperatures and humidity. Also, it is possible to create original shapes and moods of the kitchen to order, combine the material without noticeable joints, and therefore partially change the countertops if necessary.

The main disadvantages of artificial stone are considered vulnerability problems due to mechanical damage, the high cost of the material and its production, reduced resistance to high temperatures and the problem with surface staining with food or food colors.

Stone kitchen countertops

Here it is worth considering right away that natural stone is an expensive material, but its qualities also cover all cost issues. It should be understood that the kitchen frame must also be reinforced, because the stone weighs a lot, and the load on each element of the body will be serious.

The advantages of the stone can be safely written down the incredible wear resistance and durability of the material, absolutely neutral attitude to humidity and temperatures, high resistance to mechanical and chemical influences, bright aesthetic qualities.

The disadvantages of the stone are the temperature of the material itself, which is quite cold. In addition, a large weight of material for the production of countertops. We have already mentioned the cost of stone countertops for the kitchen, the higher it will be if the countertop is made to order.

Plastic countertops for the kitchen

Plastic kitchen countertops are a popular material, especially recently. Of course, you cannot always find high-quality plastic at an affordable price, but if you succeed, then you can easily arrange a beautiful, durable and practical kitchen.

Plastic countertops have all the qualities that are highly sought after in the kitchen. The material is tolerant of moisture, liquids, grease and odors. He also experiences temperatures, however, the maximum permissible. An interesting and even original look is another plus of plastic, especially since such countertops can imitate other finishing materials.

The disadvantage of plastic is the ability to melt at high temperatures and color from products, fade in the sun and change color. But this only applies to inexpensive kitchen countertops of low quality.

MDF kitchen countertops

Many kitchens today are made from MDF, but mostly, these are kitchen facades, which can be very beautiful and harmoniously fit into the interior, maintaining style and your personal taste. In addition, MDF countertops are also offered on the market, which you can pay attention to when choosing this element.

To tell you the truth, the advantages are more aesthetic than technical, since MDF does not survive humidification and high temperatures in the best way, although it does not tolerate standard kitchen humidity. Outwardly, this is a pretty material that looks great especially in classic kitchens, but it requires extra care to use, otherwise the kitchen will not last as long as you plan.

Glass countertops

A new trend of the West and more advanced countries in terms of design, which were the first to produce tempered glass worktops. This material is beautiful, strong enough, with a high degree of peculiarity emphasizes the stylization of the kitchen.

The advantages of glass countertops can be safely considered high aesthetic properties, simple maintenance, neutral attitude to humidity, fats and temperature, as well as mechanical and chemical influences (of course, if you do not drop plates on it on purpose and do not try to clean it with acid).

The most serious disadvantage of glass is considered to be a slippery surface, but in modern kitchens, the problem is very quickly solved with napkins or special rugs.

Stainless steel kitchen countertops

If you are an adherent of high-tech style or just strive to organize your kitchen space in a very modern way, we recommend that you pay attention to stainless steel countertops. High-quality material will give a sense of seriousness and understanding of style in any kitchen.

The disadvantages of stainless steel are called high thermal conductivity, due to which the material seriously changes the temperature in contact with cold and hot objects, and this can subsequently affect the appearance of surfaces. In addition, no matter what they say, small scratches will become visible over time.

Wooden countertops

Judging by the reviews, wood kitchen countertops can be considered the best option. It is a warm, classic material that has many benefits, most of which you are well aware of.

We boldly add to the advantages of wood an excellent appearance, compliance with all kitchen requirements, easy maintenance, reliability and durability. Naturally, all this is only when choosing the right type of wood and high-quality installation of the table top, with the "sealing" of the joints and seams.

Of course, there are also disadvantages, because not every wood species will last long. The service life also depends on the external protection of the material, the quality of production and installation, the conscience of the seller and the installer.

The choice of material is worth more in terms of characteristics and quality data than in appearance.

First of all, it is necessary not only to consider, but also to carefully study all types of countertops, and not only in text mode, but also to take a ride through the furniture salons of your city and look at all the elements from a close distance, evaluate all the qualities with your own eyes.

In addition, it is necessary to touch upon other production materials that we did not talk about. These can be bamboo, reed, ceramic kitchen countertops, or other exclusive and expensive options.

After that, it is imperative to make a comparison, make a list of advantages and disadvantages, and only then determine the countertop that suits you the most.

How to choose custom kitchen countertops?

In this case, you pay, which means you have the right to much. You can demand anything from the contractor, because for this there is an order for furniture, and not the purchase of inexpensive illiquid assets from a suburban warehouse.

First of all, the performer must correctly remove the dimensions of the countertop for the kitchen, calculate the height, width, and other parameters that you have already outlined for yourself in the kitchen room, and also help determine the type of element. It is quite possible that you do not need a standard, but a window sill countertop in the kitchen, a corner countertop or a rounded one, and so on.

When the customer comes to a common denominator with the contractor, you can order a countertop for the kitchen.

How to install a countertop in the kitchen?

To be honest, we have a negative attitude towards independent processes that are associated with such work. We don't even recommend making your own kitchen countertops. There are many reasons for this, but we will look from the other side. So, if you work with wood, you have your own workshop with professional equipment, extensive experience in the production of furniture and reliable assistants, you can safely take measurements and replace or install countertops in the kitchen. If all of the above is missing, then, for obvious reasons, it is not worth taking on work.

We recommend that you order a worktop and its installation in the workshop or salon where you purchase your kitchen furniture. Ordering a kitchen and countertops from different craftsmen is the gross and most common mistake when buying a kitchen.

Countertop for the kitchen: which is better (video)

We believe that now you understand exactly which countertop is better for the kitchen, how to choose the right material and who to entrust the installation. Therefore, we can only wish you to find a quality solution at an affordable cost and get the kitchen of your dreams in the near future.